Room for this one?

Harford in need of hotel tax

January 12, 2012

Editor:

Thank you for the support you have shown me as your State Delegate.

After one year and many tough decisions, the hardest yet is the hotel tax legislation, which I've been opposed. Many Republicans now support it: County Executive David Craig, Senator Nancy Jacobs, Delegate Rick Impalaria, Mayor Dougherty.

Because my first thought is for my constituents, I've been researching this issue tirelessly. Here are some points:

• It's not a tax on Harford County citizens or hotels.

• Businesses and hotel owners want it.

• Harford County is the only county without one.

• At least 75 percent would go toward local tourism.

• Harford County citizens are for it.

• Harford County citizens pay a lot in hotel fees in other counties/states.

• Annapolis' Democratic leadership isn't helping us, they eat cake and we eat crumbs. Harford's municipalities: Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Bel Air need help – 90 percent of the highway user fund and other support has been taken away and is going to the General Fund.

We have the Chesapeake Bay, Bush River, Ripken Stadium, nice parks, restaurants and wonderful people. Because Harford County has an unfair trade agreement, I've decided to support a bill enabling the County Council to decide this issue - not Annapolis. I'll offer an amendment giving a portion to the homeless and ensure 75 percent goes to local tourism promoting our county, helping businesses and creating jobs.